Schools close early

Students wait for their buses at the Labasa bus stand. Schools in Labasa closed early yesterday because of the adverse weather. Picture: SALASEINI MOCEIWAI

ALL schools in Labasa were closed early following the heavy rain and strong winds experienced yesterday.

Divisional North education officer Satya Nand Shandil said the Education Ministry had given the green light to school heads and principals to send students home early as a result of the adverse weather condition.

At midday, the Labasa bus stand was filled with students waiting for school buses to take them home.

The students were supervised by their teachers.

"The ministry has given the discretion for school heads and principals to decide for their students during this weather.

"Students have been sent home early because of their respective localities.

"Some of them live in flood-prone areas and some have to cross bridges and Irish crossings.

"It's only wise to send them home early because they could encounter problems later on in the afternoon as a result of the heavy rain."

Mr Shandil said it was entirely up to the parents to decide whether to send their children to school today.

"If the weather continues to be unfavourable today, it's only proper for children to stay at home and not take risks.

"Parents are being urged to make wise decisions and ensure the safety of their children."

A weather bulletin issued yesterday afternoon said periods of heavy rain and squally thunderstorms were forecasted for Labasa.